Bristol Airport faced an unexpected evacuation as passengers found themselves trapped in long queues at the security checkpoint due to a fire alarm. The incident unfolded just before 5 pm, leading to the entire departure lounges being cleared, forcing all passengers to vacate the airport premises. Upon re-entering the airport, travellers were met with extensive queues at security, causing significant delays for those attempting to board their flights.
In a statement to Bristol Live, a passenger described the chaotic scene, highlighting the need for everyone to go through security again after exiting the airport. The passenger shared, “We are all having to re-join security as we had to leave the airport. The problem is, everyone left the airport so the integrity of their security has gone, so everyone has to re-join the security queue which has caused huge queues. We have been told any fire issues are sorted and there are now large queues to get back into security – so all is in order, there are just delays.”
A spokesperson for Bristol Airport acknowledged the situation, indicating that a fire alarm activated during the afternoon, prompting a brief evacuation of passengers from a section within the departure lounge as a precautionary measure. The airport representative expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to customers and thanked everyone for their patience during the disruption.
Passengers affected by the evacuation and subsequent delays expressed frustration over the unexpected turn of events, with many taking to social media to share their experiences. Despite the challenges faced, airport authorities assured that the fire alarm issue had been addressed, and security procedures were back in order, albeit with delays due to the backlog created by the evacuation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols at airports, ensuring the well-being of passengers and staff in emergency situations. While disruptions such as these can cause inconvenience and frustration, the swift response of airport personnel in handling the evacuation and addressing the issue is crucial in maintaining the safety and security of all individuals within the airport premises.